James,
Cathay is currently in a hiring freeze as I'm sure your aware of. They are hopeful that the economy will rebound this summer and hiring will once again commence. I suggest you submit your resume/cover letter and give updates every 2-3 months until you get a reply/application. You must be patient as it is very difficult to determine the future state of the economy.
Cathay itself is a good place to work and I consider it the "best contract job available". In comparison to other Asian or Middle East airlines it is far superior in salary, benefits and job security. Unfortunately, a small percentage of pilots believe it should be run like a North American airline with high salaries, great schedules and a strong union to support any and all pilot actions. Sounds great but it wouldn't work IMHO as the cultural environment would not allow it and a militant union would have a devastating affect on the future of the airline. Look at the trouble many North American airlines are in. United, American, Air Canada, they are suffering at the expense of harsh union contracts. Would you rather have a great salary for a short time or a good one for a long time?
For Blunderbus, "22 years service and sacked for 'no particular reason'" you don't really believe that do you? Never called in sick because you didn't want to fly? or make a decision to take action which will only hurt the company? I can't say all 49rs did but I understand many did. Some people have become so bitter that the only option is for them to go as well. Unfortunately they will not resign so they must get fired. Do you think this conduct would draw any other reaction at airlines like Emirates, China Airlines, Eva, Korean etc, etc?
I expect a couple of harsh reply's from some of these bitter people but the truth is most people enjoy it at Cathay. Yes we have problems but who doesn't! I say the best way to work them out is to talk not fight.
IMHO CPDUDE